If you're considering a personal branding photo session, they all tend to follow the same general series of steps.

Here's what to expect.

Before the shoot

Inquiry

Before any booking, I'll ask what your goals are for the shoot. Is it just general social media content or do you need specific images for a web site or advertisement? Were you thinking about a studio session, outdoors, or on-location? Do you want lifestyle images or something more corporate?

Prior to booking a shoot, I can give you lots of information and shoot ideas. With a few details, you'll be able to get more specific about what you would like from a shoot. And from this initial conversation you should have a pretty good idea if we're a good fit for each other.

If so, the next step is to work out the details.

Planning/strategy session

Once we're on the same page regarding your deliverables for the shoot, we will have a strategy session. Starting with the end photos in mind, we work backwards to fine tune the logistics required. That means identifying things like timelines, shoot location(s), parking, studio availability, wardrobe, makeup, photo equipment required, etc.

The meeting lasts about an hour and can be done via zoom or in person. I prefer to meet in person if at all possible because it allows us to get to know one another a little better than through a screen. That can be really helpful if you're camera shy or nervous in any way because we'll already have worked together.

During the shoot

The studio

If we're working in the studio for all or part of your session, you'll have the opportunity to get ready there. You can wear whatever is comfortable to the studio, changing into your shoot wardrobe after you arrive. Not wearing it to the studio helps reduce any wrinkling while also giving us the chance to steam out anything that isn't quite right.

If you're having makeup done with us, you should arrive about an hour before the planned shoot time to work with the makeup artist. She'll chat with you about your preferences, while using just the right amout product so that it translates on camera.

Studio lights can appear intimidating when you first see them, as they have large modifiers on them like softboxes or umbrellas to create soft flattering light. They also flash when the picture is taken and beep when ready to shoot again.

Outdoors and on-location

Shooting outside the studio adds some extra complexity, but it's worthwhile because we're adding interest to the photographs. If the shoot happens indoors, it's likely you'll be able to change and possibly have your makeup done there.

If we shoot outside, you'll likely need to arrive fully camera ready if there isn't a public restroom nearby. If there isn't, I can bring a small collapsable changing tent, which may be desirable if you want to change outfits. Makeup can also be done outside as long as the weather permits.

Being in front of the camera

Everyone feels at least a little bit uncomfortable in front of the camera. To get over it, we'll take several shots just to warm up. I'll also be giving you a lot of direction, so your attention will shift from awkwardness to paying attention to me.

The guidance I give will be simple instructions related to posing. It will be things like where to put your hands, turning your shoulders, and bringing your chin forward and slightly down. Hopefully we'll be having some fun, so your smiles and facial expressions will come naturally.

After the shoot

Proofs

A few days after the shoot I will send you a link to a proof gallery of selected images. I will have already culled out those that are definitely not "keepers". Those images will have weird expressions, eye blinks, too far out of focus, etc.

I use a neutral image profile in my camera in order to get maximum latitude during editing, so images tend to look somewhat flat straight out of the camera. To adjust for that, the proofs will all have been adjusted for color, contrast, sharpening, tilt, and cropping.

Final images

After reviewing the proofs, I can do some light portrait retouching and additional editing if desired. Retouching includes things like removing minor blemishes, slight skin smoothing, and minor reshaping. The goal with retouching is to make you look like yourself on your best day.

Extending backgrounds and/or removing distracting objects are larger edits. This has gotten easier with newer AI editing tools, but can be time intensive if the tools don't work exactly right (which often they don't).

Once complete, I'll send you two final galleries: one for screens and one for printing. You'll likely not need the original high resolution images using for printing, but if you do need them for something like a magazine or promotional materials, you'll have them.

Need more images?

If you need additional images and are considering another shoot, you might consider a monthly content plan. This is a subscription based service where we would shoot at a regular interval so you'll always have fresh content for social media.

Get in touch for more information!